Blog Tales from the LOPE Ranch

Meet Flavor

Flavor is an incredible racing warrior. He’s 11 years old and just retired from racing in 2017. What an amazing athlete! And yes, Flavor is actually his registered name. Just one word – Flavor. That seems appropriate for a celebrity as big as Flavor (kind of like Elvis).

Flavor is a Claiborne homebred, with a pedigree full of Thoroughbred royalty. His first race trainer was the famous Al Stall, Jr. In 2009, Flavor broke his maiden with a win at Keeneland. The late, great Garrett Gomez rode him to that victory. Many others soon followed, as Flavor hit the boards regularly over the next eight years. He ran in 71 races, winning over $300,000.

Like all vintage pro athletes, Flavor has acquired old sports injuries over the years. He’s ready to enjoy a less speedy job now. Flavor was donated to LOPE so that he can get the time he needs to rest up, rehab and get prepared for that more mellow second career.

But even iron horses have to stop running eventually. Like all vintage pro athletes, Flavor has acquired old sports injuries over the years. He’s ready to enjoy a less speedy job now. Flavor was donated to LOPE so that he can get the time he needs to rest up, rehab and get prepared for that more laid back second career.

A village came together to help Flavor come to LOPE. He ended his track career at Laurel in Maryland (a long distance from Texas). Many people networked for Flavor, posting and sharing his story on social media (where LOPE then heard about him). Track outriders, grooms, racing fans and assistant trainers collaborated to organize Flavor’s speedy and smooth departure from Laurel.

A generous former racing connection donated the entire transport cost to bring Flavor all the way from Maryland. And Johnson Horse Transport gave Flavor a last minute spot on one of their cross-country hauls, fitting him into their complicated schedule with only a few hours notice. Driver extraordinaire Charles Keats delivered Flavor safely to Texas, watching him closely over the long trip.

Flavor is truly a special horse. His racing career is impressive and he has given all his heart (and much of his body) to the sport. Horses like Flavor are rare and should be cherished like the living history they represent. LOPE plans to give Flavor an extended stay here, so he can have the luxury of time for a full transition from the track.

Our vets (the awesome Austin Equine Hospital) examined Flavor upon his arrival at LOPE. He has active tendonitis in his left hind fetlock, four old bowed tendons (one per leg), racing jewelry on his right front fetlock and some arthritis in his hocks. We had his hind fetlock injected (to help the tendonitis). Flavor will need some extended pasture turnout time, to give his body a rest from hard work. If Flavor decides to have a riding job again, he has a solid prognosis to become a walk-trot pleasure horse one day. He also has earned the right to retire, if he wants a permanent vacation.

Flavor will be getting the VIP treatment at LOPE

But that’s up to Flavor. Big personality racing warriors like him tend to be pretty opinionated – so we are going to defer to Flavor’s judgment on what his second career should be. It will be fun to find out, that’s for sure.

How You Can Support Flavor

We are raising funds for Flavor’s long-term sabbatical at LOPE. Flavor will receive VIP treatment during his stay. We would like people to follow Flavor’s progress at LOPE. His story is a long one, worth watching as it unfolds into the next chapter. And maybe Flavor will inspire other people to take a chance on the racing warriors, the hard knockers and game old champions still out there looking for new homes.

Flavor is in Need of:

Several months pasture rest

Joint supplements

At least one more injection in his fetlock in about three months

Regular supply of alfalfa, hay and Bluebonnet senior feed

Lots of shavings (he likes to roll in fresh ones daily)

Ongoing ground work sessions

Regular farrier care

Follow-up vet exams as his rehab progresses (one every 8-12 weeks)

Assessment and retraining for second career (whatever he decides that will be)

Support LOPE

LOPE is a 501(c)(3) charity and relies solely upon the generous support of our donors to carry out our mission of helping at-risk racehorses find second careers, while inspiring young people through horsemanship education.

The Story of LOPE

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